Laboratory Team Leader
Food manufacturing · Coleraine, Northern Ireland
The role
We're looking for an experienced Laboratory Team Leader to be the quality gatekeeper on a fast-paced food manufacturing site. You'll lead by example, ensuring every product leaving the factory meets food safety and customer specifications - and you'll coach and support the wider team to do the same.
Key responsibilities
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Act as the primary Quality contact on the production floor during operational hours
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Own the hold order process - assess samples and make timely release or reject decisions
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Investigate non-conformances and complaints using Intelex, feeding into accurate RFT reporting
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Analyse laboratory samples, escalating any out-of-spec results appropriately
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Maintain and update SOPs and the team training matrix
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Lead Tier 1 team huddles and support Tier 2 meetings as required
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Prepare, calibrate, and swab equipment in line with EMP standards
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Support customer audits and help train new team members
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Manage lab consumables stock and ensure all components are submitted for testing via Lab portals
Following an initial training period on day shift, this role moves to a rotating 12-hour shift pattern, approximately 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Weekend working is not required.
Requirement
Status
Experience in food manufacturing environment
Essential
A-Level science (degree level preferred)
Essential
HACCP knowledge
Desirable
SAP & Intelex (or similar computerised systems)
Advantageous
Ability to lead a team and work unsupervised
Essential
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Essential
